Model Michelle Laff is styled by Joey Lin in ‘Paris’, a nod to not only the Olympics, but to the beauty and pervasive dominance of the importance of the French lifestyle. Dima Hohlov [IG] is behind the lens, capturing Laff for Harper’s Bazaar Taiwan’s [IG] July 2024 issue./ Hair by Tie Toyama; makeup by Megumi Itano

What is that French lifestyle, you ask? Parisians are convinced — and with good reason — that their way of life is achievable by the majority of its citizens.

The French generally do not prioritize America’s emphasis on flashy acumulation of wealth. They find it distasteful. Everyone knows how much money you have, because you make it impossible to ignore the fact by talking endlessly about your wealth and possessions. I have business friends like that.

Parisians find history and ideas to be important, while many Americans have the attitude “Honey, with all my money, I don’t need to worry about ideas. Art? I don’t know anything about art, but my girl takes care of the art.“ We put on a good show.

Your work? Parisians do not want to hear about your work at the dinner table.

Now the French will admit that many of them do admire American moxie and entrepreneurial spirit. We get things done. It’s a well-known fact that the first family of Paris — the Arnaults — adore America and a vast range of Americans from high to low.

Maybe one day the Arnaults will write a book on this complex relationship between France and the Americans. No one has to twist my arm about France and the Arnaults.